Pneumatic blood-hit effect

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for a blood-hit effect includes a pressurized reservoir, a valve, and a hose having a first end portion coupled to the reservoir through the valve. The hose is configured to store an ejection fluid and the hose includes a second end portion. A membrane is configured to cover a second end portion of the hose. The membrane is disposed at a location on a subject where an effect is to occur. The membrane is configured to burst in accordance with an instantaneous release of pressure from the valve to eject the ejection fluid through the membrane.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No.60/845,701 filed on Sep. 19, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to special effects technologyand, more particularly, to a system and method where for a blood-hiteffect without pyrotechnics.

BACKGROUND

Conventional techniques for achieving a bloody bullet hit on an actorinclude using what the industry refers to as a “SQUIB”. The squib, inreality is an electrically ignited detonator that an actor wears ontheir person. The squib is backed by a steel plate to protect the actorfrom harm when the charge is detonated. On top of the detonator, apre-manufactured plastic bag of stage blood is fastened. The whole setupis wire harnessed with a control cable connected to a pyrotechniccontroller. The actor then places his costume over the bloodbag/detonator/steel plate setup.

A state licensed pyrotechnic operator is required to activate thedetonator from the controller and the detonators explosive powers willburst through the blood bag and rupture the pre-scored/distressed areaof the costume where this effect will reveal a simulation of a bullethole with blood being ejected.

The conventional blood-hit effects may be dangerous, and require bulkycomponents, such as a steel plate. This limits the scenarios in whichthe effect can be used since the plate and the equipment is cumbersome.In addition, a pyrotechnic specialist is needed by law in manyjurisdictions to activate the charge. This adds to the complexity ofusage and the overall expense.

Therefore, a need exists for a blood-hit effect that overcomes thesedisadvantages.

SUMMARY

A blood-hit effect system includes a pressure vessel and a solenoidconfigured to fit on a person. A hose connects to the solenoid and isfilled with a fluid. A radio control device activates the solenoid toopen to release air from the pressure vessel such that the fluid in theline is ejected from a nozzle located on the body of the person toprovide the effect of being shot at the location of the nozzle.

The nozzle may be located on the person at an arbitrary location. In oneembodiment, a vest is provided with a plurality of predefined holeswhere the nozzle is installed. Multiple nozzles may be employed incommunication with the same or different pressure vessels and solenoids.The effect hits may be timed to simulate multiple shots at differentlocations or at different times.

An apparatus for a blood-hit effect includes a pressurized reservoir, avalve, and a hose having a first end portion coupled to the reservoirthrough the valve. The hose is configured to store an ejection fluid andthe hose includes a second end portion. A membrane is configured tocover a second end portion of the hose. The membrane is disposed at alocation on a subject where an effect is to occur. The membrane isconfigured to burst in accordance with an instantaneous release ofpressure from the valve to eject the ejection fluid through themembrane.

An apparatus for a blood-hit effect includes a pressurized reservoirhaving a controlled valve for releasing pressure in accordance with acontrol event, a hose having a first end portion coupled to thereservoir through the valve, the hose configured to store an ejectionfluid, the hose having a second end portion; and a fitting connected tothe second end portion of the hose and having an opening in fluidcommunication with the hose; and a membrane configured to cover theopening in the fitting, the membrane configured to burst in accordancewith an instantaneous release of pressure from the valve to eject theejection fluid through the membrane in accordance with the controlevent.

In alternate embodiments, the apparatus is mounted on the subject wherean effect is to occur. A garment may be mounted on the subject where aneffect is to occur and configured with at least one hole, the at leastone hole being dimensioned and configured to receive a fitting on whichthe membrane is connected, wherein the membrane is disposed at leastflush with a surface of the garment. The at least one hole may include aplurality of holes formed at a plurality of locations on the garment.The garment may include a vest which fits under a wardrobe item. Thesecond end portion may include a fitting and an open ended cap such thatthe membrane is secured between the fitting and the cap. The cappreferably includes an inner circumference having a knife edge forcontacting the membrane. The fitting may include a flange. The apparatusfurther includes an electrical power source for controlling the valveand the valve includes a normally closed solenoid valve. The valve maybe controlled remotely. The membrane preferably includes a polymericmaterial stretched across a seal ring. The ejection fluid may include atleast one of a colored fluid and particulate matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages, nature, and various additional features of the inventionwill appear more fully upon consideration of the illustrativeembodiments now to be described in detail in connection withaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system showing a back sideof a vest having two pressure vessels, two solenoids, batteries and aradio controlled device for opening the solenoids to release pressureinto a material-filled hose in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system showing a frontside of the vest of FIG. 1 having predefined hole locations where theeffect may be desired in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an alternate enclosure to permit pressurebuild up before yielding in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exit nozzle in accordance with oneillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the use of a check valve in thehose/pressure line in accordance with one illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing operation of the blood-hit effect inaccordance with one illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing the use of a membrane and ring inaccordance with one illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fitting and cap assembly for capturinga membrane therebetween in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the cap and membrane of FIG. 8;and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the fitting with a directionchanging feature for redirecting fluid.

It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes ofillustrating the concepts of the invention and are not necessarily theonly possible configuration for illustrating the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides systems and methods for pneumaticblood-hit effects. Advantageously, a non-pyrotechnic detonator supportedeffect is provided, which overcomes the disadvantages of conventionaleffects. In accordance with one embodiment, the blood-hit effectincorporates principles of compressed air to deliver high velocity gasinto a chamber capable of exploding. The chamber includes an effectliquid, which may be theatrical stage blood or any other matter which isneeded to exit a terminating output nozzle so as to burst out the loadedsubstance. Such matter may include particulate matter, which would havebeen unacceptable and dangerous while using a pyrotechnic charge. Theblood-hit in accordance with the present principles achieves analternative to the standardized technique as previously described usingnon-pyrotechnic devices and explosive perishables such as detonators.

It is to be understood that the present invention is described in termsof a blood-hit effect; however, the present invention is much broaderand may include any effect carried out on a person. For example, anothereffect may include an oozing wound or blemish, etc. In addition, thepresent invention is applicable to any method where a bursting action isneeded including replacing any application where pyrotechnics werepreviously employed.

The present description illustrates the principles of the presentinvention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the artwill be able to devise various arrangements that, although notexplicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of theinvention and are included within its spirit and scope.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principlesof the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor tofurthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitationto such specifically recited examples and conditions.

Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, andembodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof areintended to encompass both structural and functional equivalentsthereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include bothcurrently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in thefuture, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function,regardless of structure.

The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may beprovided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardwarecapable of executing software in association with appropriate software.When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a singlededicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality ofindividual processors, some of which may be shared. Moreover, explicituse of the term “processor” or “controller” should not be construed torefer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and mayimplicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (“DSP”)hardware, read-only memory (“ROM”) for storing software, random accessmemory (“RAM”), and non-volatile storage.

Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included. Theirfunction may be carried out through the operation of program logic,through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control anddedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique beingselectable by the implementer as more specifically understood from thecontext.

In the disclosure hereof, any element expressed as a means forperforming a specified function is intended to encompass any way ofperforming that function including, for example, a) a combination ofcircuit elements that performs that function or b) software in any form,including, therefore, firmware, microcode or the like, combined withappropriate circuitry for executing that software to perform thefunction. The invention as defined resides in the fact that thefunctionalities provided by the various recited means are combined andbrought together in the manner which the disclosure calls for. It isthus regarded that any means that can provide those functionalities areequivalent to those shown herein.

Referring now in specific detail to the drawings in which like referencenumerals identify similar or identical elements throughout the severalviews, and initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a system 10 for a blood-hit inaccordance with one embodiment is illustratively shown. The illustrativesystem 10 includes a garment such as, e.g., a body vest 12 in two pieces14 and 16. The body vest 12 may be constructed of a foam material orother soft and flexible material. In one embodiment, vest 12 includes,e.g., ¼″ and/or ⅛″ closed cell foam incorporating hoop and loopfasteners 18 (or other fasteners) to strap or sandwich an actor/wearerwith the vest 12 for a snug fit. In one example, one piece 14 of thevest material is positioned on the front (chest & belly) and one piece16 of the material is placed on the actor/wearer's back. Fasteners 18can be employed to secure the two pieces 14 and 16 of material, e.g., atthe locations of broadside from waist area to the area under the armpiton both sides left and right. Fasteners 18 may also be used to securethe two pieces 14 and 16 over the left and right shoulders. Straps 20may be stretchable or non-stretchable as needed and connect to fasteners18.

It should be understood that the device to may be employed without thevest 12. A piece of foam or other material may be secured by tape of thelike to an actor and the hose and the fitting as will be described belowmay be stowed in a concealed way somewhere on the actor's body. If thevest 12 is employed, the end fitting 46 and hose can easily be stowedand concealed in or under the vest 12.

The front piece 14 includes an array of bullet hole locations 22 presetto achieve a desired effect of a bullet hit on the actor/talent wearingthe vest 12. The end of a fitting 46 is preferably flush or underflushwith the vest material to help conceal the fitting 46 during aperformance. It should be understood that the pattern of holes may bemodified or placed on any body part of an actor. In this example, theback piece 16 secures multiple components including a delivery system 24employed to achieve the desired effect from the front piece 14. The vest12 may be provided in different sizes, e.g., petite, small, med, largeand extra large.

Delivery system 24 includes an ultra light weight pressure vessel 26(two are illustratively shown) constructed to hold, e.g., about 100 psi.Vessel 26 may include a plastic material, such as polyvinyl. Vessel 26is preferably a cylinder with about a 1″ diameter having modified hosebarb plugs 28 connected with ¼″ npt female threads on a first end and a¼″ npt shorts nipple plugs 32 on the other end. The plugs 28 and 32 maycreate a seal that is secured using hose clamps 34 or equivalentdevices. Plugs 28 are preferably fitted with an air intake valve 36employed to charge the vessels 26 with air or gas. Intake air fillervalve 36 may be of the kind used to inflate automobile and bicycletires. Vessel(s) 26 may be configured in different orientations and maybe of different sizes.

Modified hose barb plug 32 includes a short nipple fitted to the inputside of a ¼″ Normally Closed 12 Volt DC solenoid 40. A battery pack 52or other power source is employed. It should be understood that otherdiameter fittings may be used and that the system 10 can also be adaptedto operate with 110 Volt AC or other power source. However, use of ACpower includes the use of a cable from the solenoid 40 to connect to apowered voltage line.

Fitted to the output side of the solenoid 40 is a fitting 42 (e.g., a ¼″npt PI (push-in) fixed elbow or straight fitting). “Push-in” connectedto this fitting 42 is a hose 44, e.g., ¼″ poly vinyl hose. The length ofthe hose 44 may be determined by the distance to the location of thedesired effect hole or location on the body where the effect is needed.Fitted at the end of the hose 44 is fitting 46, which may include amodified ¼″ npt PI (push-in, i.e., a spring loaded quick connectfitting) fixed elbow. Fitting 46 may be a threaded end of an elbow cutdown by at least about 50%. This is done to minimize the protrudingprofile when fitted into the front part 14 of the vest 12. At the end ofthis modified open ended elbow or fitting 46, a piece of light gaugeplastic shipping tape 48 or other polymeric material is adhered to thefitting 46 to create a leak proof seal under normal atmosphericpressure. Tape 48 may be employed to be the burstable interface duringoperation of the system 10. Tape 48 may include plastic wrap,cellophane, transparent tape, rubber, etc. While tape 48 may be employedwith adhesive other mechanical, chemical bonding or adhesive connectionsmay be employed to secure the membrane or tape to the fitting 46.

It should be understood that the apparatus depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 ispreferably secured to a user or subject on, which the effect will beemployed. A user preferably employs the effect on his/her person and theeffect is activated during a film or television production, in anon-stage-production, reenactment or other event where a staged blood-hitor similar effect is needed.

In an alternate embodiment in FIG. 3, fitting 46 securedly receives aplastic cup-like enclosure 50. Enclosure 50 may be glued or otherwisefixed in place. Enclosure 50 is open ended toward the pressure line 44to receive high velocity fluid. Enclosure 50 is designed to burst whensolenoid 40 releases pressurized fluid into the hose 44. Enclosureexpands and then yields to provide a burst with fluid ejected. Enclosure50 may be scored 53 to provide weak spots to ensure that the enclosure50 bursts under pressure.

In another embodiment in FIG. 7, enclosure 50 may include a membrane 59stretched, adhered or formed on a ring 67. The ring 67 can thread ontofitting 46 (or attach by other means). The membrane 59 can functionsimilarly to the enclosure 50 and provide a pressure build up to permita bursting effect in operation. The membrane 59 and ring 67 couldprovide an easy and repeatable attachment/detachment with the fitting topermit reliable operation of the device. The membrane 59 may be bonded,glued, mechanically connected (compression fitted or interferencefitted), etc. to the ring. The ring 67 may be employed to secure fitting46 to vest 12 as depicted in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, an alternate embodiment is shown forsecuring a membrane 159 in accordance with the present principles.Membrane 159 includes a polymeric material, rubber, plastic or the like.In one embodiment a polyethylene plastic is employed, in anotherembodiment, a rubber is employed. Membrane 159 may have a thickness ofbetween about 0.25 mils to about 2 mils, the thickness of which isadjusted to provide a particular effect. For example, if the effect isto make blood splatter a thicker membrane 159 is desirable. If the bloodor other fluid is to ooze, a thinner membrane 159 is desirable. Apreferred thickness range for a blood hit is between about 1 to 1.5mils. Membrane may also be scored to create a desired effect. Membrane159 may be stretched and secured on a ring 160. Ring 160 may include ano-ring or other sealing device. In addition or alternately, one or moreo-rings 167 may be employed on either side of the membrane 159 toprovide a pressure seal against pneumatic pressure during the effectoperation.

A fitting 162 includes a threaded portion 164 to receive a threadedportion 174 of a cap 168. Cap 168 includes an open end with anoverhanging surface 170 that terminates in a knife edge 172 at its innercircumference. During assembly in preparation for the effect, membrane159 is placed into cap as shown in FIG. 9. Cap 168 is threaded overfitting 162 to capture the membrane 159 and ring 160 between a surface166 and an underside of the overhang 170 as shown in FIG. 9. When themembrane 159 experiences a suitable pressure, membrane 159 expandsoutward in the direction of arrow A. Expansion of the membrane 159causes contact with knife edge 172 all around the inner circumference ofthe cap 168. This permits a circumferential yielding effect and permitsan additional amount of fluid to exit the cap 168 from the fitting 162.In addition, by selecting the pressure and the thickness of the membrane159, a predictable and repeatable effect can be achieved. The innercircumference of the cap may have other profiles including points whichcan yield the membrane sooner. These points may extend radially inwardfrom the inner circumference or take other shapes.

Referring to FIG. 10, fitting 162 may be modified in a plurality of waysto provide directional or splattering effects. In one embodiment, a flathead screw 182 or other hardware that effects flow may be installed infitting 162. A securing portion 180 may be connected or attached tofitting to secure the screw or hardware 180. During operation, as fluidis ejected, the fluid is directionally splattered in the direction ofarrows “B”. Alternately, a cotton ball or other obstructions may beemployed in the fitting to create splatter.

Referring again to FIG. 1, during operation, one or more solenoids 40are powered by a battery pack 52 (or other power source). A rechargeplug 55 may be included to recharge the batteries 52. An in-line powerswitch may also be included to disconnect the batteries when not in use.A radio receiver 54 receives a command from a remote operator with atransmitter (not shown) and signals the solenoid or solenoids 40 toopen, releasing pressure into the hose 44. Due to the pressure change,tape 48, enclosure 50 or membrane 59, 159 bursts open or off the fitting46 to create the blood-hit effect.

It should be understood that the activation of solenoids 40 may beprovided by wireless or wired means. For example, wired means mayinclude a hand switch on the actor carrying the blood-hit device. Switchconnection may be activated by an on-stage switch, e.g., the actor stepson a contact that makes a connection with a contact on the actor's shoeto activate the blood-hit device. It should also be understood thatsolenoids may be controlled and timed electronically using a processorchip or other computer-like device (on or off the subject with theeffect) to synchronize the activation of blood-hit effects at differentpositions. The chip may be remote or on the blood-hit apparatus.

Radio receiver 54 may be configured to set off multiple shots bycontrolling multiple solenoids 40, or a single solenoid 40 whichincludes a mechanical switch (e.g., valves) to switch between hoses (44)to permit multiple shots to be produced.

Referring to FIG. 4, fitting 46 may include a flange 60 to permit betterattachment to the vest 12. Flange 60 further assist in reducing theamount of protrusion passed the vest 12. Other spacers and pads may alsobe employed as needed to ensure that the amount of protrusion ismaintained to a desired amount. A membrane 59 may be adhered to the openend of the fitting 46 or otherwise secured to the fitting to resistfluid in the tube or hose until the burst effect is provided.

Referring to FIG. 5, a one-way check valve 62 may be employed betweenthe fitting 42 from the solenoid 40 and the hose 44. This prevents backflow and increases the reliability of the effect. Check valve 62 mayinclude a cracking pressure of e.g., 2 pounds.

Referring to FIG. 6, a method for employing the effect in accordancewith present principles is illustratively depicted. In block 102, ensuresubject (e.g., actor/talent) has a snug fit by pre-fitting into acorrect sized one or two-piece vest. (using the fasteners to make thesnug fit). In block 104, one or more solenoids are set at a normallyclosed position. In block 106, using a compressor, e.g., fitted with anair hose with, e.g., a tire valve chuck, provide a pressure regulated to100 psi, or charge the pressure vessel or vessels to an appropriatelevel. In block 108, guide poly vinyl hose from solenoid output to alocation or locations of a desired blood effect by placing the end withthe fitting outwardly from the body of the actor into the vest throughone of the preset bullet hole locations. Preferably, the hose should betucked inside between the front part of vest and the body of the actor,The modified elbow fitting with an adhesive tape at the end of the polyvinyl hose should fit into any one of the preset bullet hole locationspushed in and flush with the front of the vest. Alternately, the exitend of the hose is preferably terminated with a membrane and cap.

In block 110, the poly vinyl hose is disconnected from the solenoid andcarefully filled with blood (e.g., between about 5-15 milliliters) orother liquid or particulate matter. The hose is then reconnected to thesolenoid. In block 112, a wardrobe item or costume to be worn over thevest is pre-cut, e.g., in the pattern of a plus sign (+) and thentemporarily fastened together on the actor so that the costume is readyto be ruptured by placing the precut over the output nozzle.

In block 114, the system is commanded for the solenoid to open viaelectrical connection, releasing contents of stage blood fluid in thehose between solenoid and output nozzle. The force will rupture theprecut wardrobe/costume and blood fluid will burst out with highvelocity. The command is preferably activated by a wireless method,although a wired method may also be employed. For total wireless remotecontrol, a 12 volt solenoid is preferred. A small 12 volt battery or aneight cell battery harness using AAA or AA batteries may be securelyfastened to the back part of the vest alongside the pressure vessel. A12 volt radio receiver switch in line between battery and solenoid istriggered by a radio remote transmitter (not shown).

In block 116, the procedure may be repeated as the equipment isre-useable. In addition, multiple effect shots may be run concurrentlyor in succession on a same person. While the vest is preferably, othergarments, costumes or props may be employed with the blood-hit effect inaccordance with the present principles.

Many advantages are provided by the present system over the standardmethods for creating the blood-hit effect with the use of pyrotechnics.For example, a state licensed pyrotechnician is not needed, andpermission to use explosives and permits granted by the Fire Dept arealso not needed. Department of Traffic (DOT) hazardous shipment ortransport of explosives is not necessary. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms(ATF) agency permits for the permission to purchase and/or store ATFregulated detonators, is no longer needed. Permission to use hazardousmaterials of a pyrotechnic substance at a location of an agreed propertyowner is necessary. Additional liability coverage of crew and talenthired by the production company is not needed. Detonators, pyrotechniccontrollers, cables, channel devices boxes, fire extinguishers etc. areno longer needed. In addition, the fear factor and risk of actorsincluding production crew is greatly reduced, and no more hazardsinvolved for scenes including fire or actors smoking cigarettes.

In addition, the actor remains relatively clean since the blood or othermaterial is directed away from the vest and outside of the vest. Itshould be understood that similar embodiments may be employed for wallhits or other hits in accordance with the present principles.

It should also be understood that the present principles provide a greatamount of flexibility in the type of effect provided. For example, thefollowing may be adjusted: levels of pressurization stored in the airreservoir (up to e.g., 120 psi for safety reasons), choice of desiredamount of liquids in delivery hoses creates differentiating mechanicaloutput effects, a small cotton wad may be installed in the elbow fittingdirectly under the membrane (159) prior to loading liquids in deliveryhoses (to distribute the load), viscosity of liquid loaded into deliveryhoses may be controlled, membrane thickness, length of delivery hose,wardrobe preparations etc.

Having described preferred embodiments for system and method for apneumatic blood-hit effect (which are intended to be illustrative andnot limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be madeby persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It istherefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particularembodiments disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of theinvention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thus describedaspects of the invention, with the details and particularity required bythe patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patentis set forth in the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for a blood-hit effect, comprising: a pressurizedreservoir; a valve; a hose having a first end portion coupled to thereservoir through the valve, the hose configured to store an ejectionfluid, the hose having a second end portion; and a membrane configuredto cover a second end portion of the hose, the membrane being disposedat a location on a subject where an effect is to occur, the membraneconfigured to burst in accordance with an instantaneous release ofpressure from the valve to eject the ejection fluid through themembrane.
 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the apparatusis mounted on the subject where an effect is to occur.
 3. The apparatusas recited in claim 1, further comprising a garment mounted on thesubject where an effect is to occur and configured with at least onehole, the at least one hole being dimensioned and configured to receivea fitting on which the membrane is connected, wherein the membrane isdisposed at least flush with a surface of the garment.
 4. The apparatusas recited in claim 3, wherein the at least one hole includes aplurality of holes formed at a plurality of locations on the garment. 5.The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein the garment includes a vestwhich fits under a wardrobe item.
 6. The apparatus as recited in claim1, wherein the second end portion includes a fitting and an open endedcap such that the membrane is secured between the fitting and the cap.7. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the cap includes aninner circumference having a knife edge for contacting the membrane. 8.The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the fitting includes aflange.
 9. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising anelectrical power source of activate the valve and the valve includes anormally closed solenoid valve.
 10. The apparatus as recited in claim 1,wherein the valve is controlled remotely.
 11. The apparatus as recitedin claim 1, wherein the membrane includes a polymeric material stretchedacross a seal ring.
 12. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein theejection fluid includes at least one of a colored fluid and particulatematter.
 13. An apparatus for a blood-hit effect, comprising: apressurized reservoir having a controlled valve for releasing pressurein accordance with a control event; a hose having a first end portioncoupled to the reservoir through the valve, the hose configured to storean ejection fluid, the hose having a second end portion; and a fittingconnected to the second end portion of the hose and having an opening influid communication with the hose; and a membrane configured to coverthe opening in the fitting, the membrane configured to burst inaccordance with an instantaneous release of pressure from the valve toeject the ejection fluid through the membrane in accordance with thecontrol event.
 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein theapparatus is mounted on a subject where an effect is to occur.
 15. Theapparatus as recited in claim 13, further comprising a garment mountedon the subject where an effect is to occur and configured with at leastone hole, the at least one hole being dimensioned and configured toreceive the fitting on which the membrane is connected, wherein themembrane is disposed at least flush with a surface of the garment. 16.The apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein the at least one holeincludes a plurality of holes formed at a plurality of locations on thegarment.
 17. The apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein the garmentincludes a vest which fits under a wardrobe item.
 18. The apparatus asrecited in claim 13, further comprising an open ended cap configured tothreadedly engage the fitting such that the membrane is secured betweenthe fitting and the cap.
 19. The apparatus as recited in claim 18,wherein the cap includes an inner circumference having a knife edge forcontacting the membrane.
 20. The apparatus as recited in claim 13,wherein the fitting includes a flange.
 21. The apparatus as recited inclaim 13, further comprising an electrical power source and the valveincludes a normally closed solenoid valve.
 22. The apparatus as recitedin claim 13, wherein the valve is controlled remotely.
 23. The apparatusas recited in claim 13, wherein the membrane includes a polymericmaterial stretched across a seal ring.
 25. The apparatus as recited inclaim 13, wherein the ejection fluid includes at least one of a coloredfluid and particulate matter.